Death at U of C hospital ER under scrutiny

The University of Chicago Medical Center said it may not have followed proper "protocol" in the care of a 78-year old man who died last month in its emergency room.

The U of C said state and federal officials have been investigating the Feb. 3 death.

The hospital said its investigation found that proper policies and procedures were in place but staff members may not have followed the protocol. Appropriate disciplinary actions are being taken, the hospital said in a statement.

"Emergency department physicians and nurses and hospital administration have met with the patient's family to explain the event and express their sympathy," the statement said.

The investigation comes amid a plan, which was recently put on hold by University President Robert Zimmer, to reorganize the emergency room and send triage patients with less serious illnesses elsewhere.